AWS Certification Program Version: 0.

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Starters Guide for ISTQB Certification Date: <8/24/2017>
364002989.doc

Starters Guide for ISTQB Certification

Version 0.1

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AWS Certification Program Version: 0.1
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Table of Contents
1. Document Control Information 3
1.1 Revision History 3
1.2 Review Checklist 3

2. Introduction 3

3. Overview 4
3.1 General 4
3.2 Benefits 4
3.2.1 Benefits for Professionals 4
3.2.2 Benefits for Companies 4
3.3 Certification Path 5
3.3.1 Foundation Level (CTFL) 5
3.3.2 Advanced Level (CTAL) 6
3.4 Exam 6

4. Study Guide 7
4.1 Recommended Study Materials 7
4.2 Recommended Study Approach 7
4.3 Study Tip 7

5. Exam Application 7
5.1 Scheduling an Exam 8

6. Exam Day 8
6.1 Testing Sites in Japan (Pearson Vue) 8
6.2 Guidelines 10
6.2.1 Before the Exam 10
6.2.2 During the Exam 10
6.2.3 After the Exam 10
6.2.4 Rescheduling/Cancellation of Exam 10

7. References 11

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1. Document Control Information

1.1 Revision History
Date Version Description Author
<02/22/2016> 0.1 Initial version Tiffany Elaine Uy

1.2 Review Checklist

Review Version Date Reviewers Approval
Document Review
Document Review

2. Introduction

This document aims to serve as a study guide for AWS engineers planning to take ISTQB certification. AWS
Certification Program(ACP) covers the following scope for ISTQB:

Certification Grade ATSS Level

Advanced Level (CTAL) CTAL L3
Fundamental Level (CTFL) CTFL L2

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3. Overview
3.1 General

ISTQB(International Software Testing Qualifications Board) is the worlds

leading organization for Software Testing Certification.

ISTQB is a non-profit association founded in 2002 and headquartered

in Belgium. It has its own constitution, rules and regulations, and is
responsible for the ISTQB Certified Tester scheme worldwide.

ISTQB Vision ISTQB Values

3.2 Benefits

3.2.1 Benefits for Professionals

International recognition of acquired competencies and skills
Authorized to use the Certified Tester logo (specifying the level of certification)
Whole of career path support, from Foundation to Expert level
Lifelong validity (no need to renew for Foundation and Advanced levels)

3.2.2 Benefits for Companies

ISTQB certification can provide a competitive advantage for companies, promising a higher level
of reliability of the applications being developed due to efficient and cost effective testing practices
derived from the ISTQB competencies
Consulting companies with certified staff can offer higher-level services to customers, increasing
revenues and brand value
ISTQB has defined a Partner Program for companies that engage a large number of certified
testers

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3.3 Certification Path

The ISTQB certification program is composed of three levels, namely Foundation, Advanced and Expert.
This document covers Foundation and Advanced levels only.

3.3.1 Foundation Level (CTFL)

This is the entry level certification aimed at professionals who need to demonstrate practical
knowledge of the fundamental concepts of software testing.
Test designers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance
testers and IT Professionals.
It is appropriate for anyone who needs a basic understanding of software testing.
Project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT
directors and management consultants.
Entry criteria recommendation: At least six months practical experience in a professional testing
role.
ISTQB is now offering foundation level certification extensions which are certification modules
focused on a specific topic (e.g. Domain-specific testing practices, Specific Testing Techniques,
Specific Testing Methods).

3.3.1.1 Agile Tester Extension

This extension follows the principles of agile software development as outlined in the Agile
Manifesto.
It will give the tester the knowledge to be part of agile testing teams and achieve high performance.
An ISTQB Agile Tester should work effectively within an agile team and environment.
Entry criteria: ISTQB Foundation Level Certification
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3.3.1.2 Model-Based Tester Extension

Model-based testing is an innovative test approach to improve the effectivity and efficiency of the
test process.
A model-based tester on a project uses models to drive test analysis and design, and keeps advantage
of the models for other testing activities such as test implementation and reporting.
ISTQB Model-Based Tester certification complements the core foundation level as a specialist
module and provides a practical and easy entry to the MBT approach.
Entry criteria: ISTQB Foundation Level Certification

3.3.2 Advanced Level (CTAL)

This is the mid-level certification aimed at people who have achieved an advanced point in their
careers in software testing.
Testers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers and
software developers.
It is also appropriate for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of software testing.
Project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT
directors and management consultants.
There are 3 Advanced Level modules and certification is available for each module:
Test Manager
Test Analyst
Technical Test Analyst

Entry criteria: ISTQB Foundation Level Certification and sufficient practical experience.
A Certified tester receives a "Full Advanced" certificate after successfully achieving certification on
all three modules.

3.4 Exam
Exams are composed of multiple-choice questions. Each question is specifically designed to measure the extent of
understanding of the key concepts found in the syllabus and can be either single-answer or multiple-answer. More
exam details can be found here.
Module Questions Passing Rate Exam Length
(In Minutes)
FOUNDATION 40 65% 60
AGILE TESTER 40 65% 60
MODEL-BASED TESTER 40 65% 60
ADVANCED TEST MANAGER 65 65% 180
ADVANCED TEST ANALYST 60 65% 180
ADVANCED TECHNICAL TEST ANALYST 45 65% 120

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4. Study Guide
4.1 Recommended Study Materials
Syllabus
Reference Books
Glossary
Online Glossary
Exam FAQs
Sample Mock Exam(Foundation) #1
Sample Mock Exam(Foundation) #2
ISTQB Official Downloads
ISTQB Official References
ISTQB Official Site

4.2 Recommended Study Approach

Check ISTQB official website for latest updates. ISTQB may update syllabi, exams, and other
information to offer a wider range and adapt to changing technologies. (Foundation syllabus was last
updated on 2011. There is a chance ISTQB will be releasing an updated syllabus soon according to
some sources). Do check to always get the up to date resources.
Read and understand the syllabus completely. The syllabus represents (syllabus nla pra consistent)
the common body of knowledge shared by ISTQB members worldwide. Each syllabus forms the
basis for the International Software Testing Qualification for each level. (To some, reading the
syllabus alone is enough to pass the exam).
Familiarize yourself with glossary terms. Scan through the glossary or use the or an (mayda
glossary it istqb or bis ano la nga glossary?) online glossary when encountering unfamiliar terms
while reading through the references.
Select a reference book. The reference books cover the topics in more detail compared to the
syllabus. Books by Rex Black are highly recommended. The contents are patterned after the syllabus
with chapter reviews and practice exams included. Read through the book carefully, understand the
examples given, and solve the questions at the end of each chapter.
Take mock exams regularly for assessment. Take mock exams after reading the syllabus/reference
book. Test your current knowledge to know where to focus on.
Warning: There are many mock exams available online, but some offer incorrect solutions. Take
precaution in choosing trusted sources and double confirm the answers if possible.
It is highly recommended to go through the syllabus/reference book at least twice.
Repeat the steps or adjust accordingly until you reach enough confidence to take the exam.

4.3 Study Tip

Prepare well and dont let the fear of failing and high exam cost overwhelm you but let it serve as
motivation to put in your best effort.

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5. Exam Application
This section covers the application steps through Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue has several testing sites in Japan.
There may be other test centers offering ISTQB certification exams.

5.1 Scheduling an Exam

Scheduling an exam can be done online through the following steps.
1. Register an account at Pearson Vue.
*Note: Official certificate will be sent to registered home address
2. In the home page, click View Exams.
3. Choose exam level, test site, and exam schedule. (PearsonVue will suggest 3 testing sites nearest your
registered home address).
4. Proceed with payment using credit card.
*Note: Keep your credit card bill for reimbursement.
5. Follow instructions until application process is completed.
6. Confirmation will be sent to registered email address.

6. Exam Day
6.1 Testing Sites in Japan (Pearson Vue)
Below are some of the available testing sites for Pearson Vue in Japan as of Feb. 2016.
Machida IT Test Center Tachikawa Test Center Nanbu Toyoko-sen Testing Center
194-0013 190-0012 211-0063
Tokyo Machida-shi Tokyo Tachikawa-shi Kanagawa Kawasaki-shi
3F Shiratori Bldg 802 Tachikawa Sanwa Bldg, Level 7, Musashikosugi STM Bldg
4-3-14 Haramachida 2-32-3 Akebono cho 1-403 Kosugi cho
Japan Japan Nakahara-ku
Japan
Kuhonbutsu Ekimae Test Center Shibuya Test Center Shinjukueki nishiguchi Test Center
158-0083 150-0002 163-1506
Tokyo Setagaya-ku Tokyo Shibuya-ku Tokyo Shinjuku-ku
2F Oohira Bldg, Level 5, Daiichi Yagi Bldg, Level 6, Shinjuku L Tower,
8-31-7 Okusawa 3-6-19 Shibuya 1-6-1 Nishi shinjuku
Japan Japan Japan
Shinjuku Ekinia Test Center 1 Shinjuku Ekinia Test Center 2 Shinjuku Ekinia Test Center3
160-0021 160-0021 160-0021
Tokyo Shinjyuku-ku Tokyo Shinjyuku-ku Tokyo Shinjyuku-ku
5F Ekinia Shinjyuku 5F Ekinia Shiujyuku 5F Ekinia Shinjyuku
1-1-17 Kabuki-cho 1-1-17 Kabukicho 1-1-17 Kabukicho
Japan Japan Japan
Shinjuku Ekinia Test Center4 TACT Shibadaimon Training Center Ikebukuro East Test Center
160-0021 105-0012 170-0013
Tokyo Shinjyuku-ku Tokyo Minato-ku Tokyo Toshima-ku

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5F Ekinia Shinjyuku Daiwa Sibadaimon Building 7F Room 403, Ikebukuro 28 Sankyo Bldg,
1-1-17 Kabukicho 2-9-16, Shiba-Daimon, 1-42-14 Higashi Ikebukuro
Japan Japan Japan
SystemAssociate Jimbocho Test Nihonbashi Test Center Kayabacho Dai 5 Nagaoka Bldg Test
Center Center
103-0027
101-0051 Tokyo Chuo-ku 103-0025
Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Room 502, Rishe Bldg, 2-2-3 Tokyo Chuo-ku
YoshidaFG Building 7F Nihonbashi 6F Kayabacho Dai 5 Nagaoka Bldg
3-17 Kanda Jimbocho Japan 2-8-1 NihonbashiKayabacho
Japan Japan
Akihabara Ekimae Testing Center 1 Akihabara Ekimae Testing Center 2 Suitengumae Test Center
101-0021 101-0021 103-0015
Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Tokyo Chuo-ku
3F Akiba Mitakikan 3F Akiba Mitakikan Level 6, Hakozaki Regent Bldg,
4-5-5 Sotokanda 4-5-5 Sotokanda 17-1 Nihonbashi Hakozaki-cho
Japan Japan Japan
Akihabara Showadoriguchi Test Minami Urawa Eki Nishiguchi Test Kawagoe Test Center
Center Center
350-1123
101-0026 336-0018 Saitama Kawagoe-shi
Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Saitama Saitama-shi ISP Bldg,
3F Asakaze Sometsune Bldg 401 Plaza Matsuya Bld. 24-3 Wakitahoncho
55 Kanda Sakumagashi 2-1-2 Minamihoncho Minami-ku Japan
Japan Japan
Kashiwaeki Minamiguchi Test Chiba Ekimae Odori Test Center Kofu Commercial College Test
Center Center
260-0015
277-0852 Chiba Chiba 400-0054
Chiba Kashiwa-shi Chiba Daiei Bld. 7F, Yamanashi Kofu
2F Nakayama Bldg, 1-14-13 Fujimi, 1020 Nishi-shimojo
1-7-17 Asahi-cho Japan Japan
Japan
Koufu Baipasu Kokubo Test Center Tsukuba Ninomiya Test Center Takasaki Tonyamachi Test Center
400-0043 305-0051 370-0006
Yamanashi Kofu-shi Ibaraki Tsukuba-shi Gunma Takasaki-shi
2F, Marufuji Bldg, 1-23-9 Ninomiya Level 3, Takasaki Shoko Kaigisho
8-13-40 Kokubo Japan Bldg,
Japan 2-7-8 Tonyamachi
Japan
Shizuokaeki Kita Test Center Utsunomiya Test Center Kanuma PC Test Center
420-0858 320-0851 322-0005
Shizuoka Shizuoka-shi Tochigi Utsunomiya-shi Tochigi Kanuma-shi
501 NT Bldg, 2561-2,Tsuruta-Town 2-2153-8 Onaribashi-cho
9-10 Denma-cho, Aoi-ku Japan Japan
Japan

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6.2 Guidelines

6.2.1 Before the Exam

Bring 2 valid IDs w/ photo and signature (e.g. RC, passport).
Arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled exam time.
Complete necessary requirements (fill up form at reception area).
Leave personal items in the locker provided by the test site. No personal items are allowed inside the
test area.
Note: You may be allowed to take the exam earlier than scheduled if your assigned seat is available.

6.2.2 During the Exam

Note board and marker are provided for you to write on.
Earplugs or noise reducing headphones are also available.
You may skip or mark some questions which are difficult and revisit them at the end of the exam
(before submitting).
Relax and concentrate.

6.2.3 After the Exam

Approach reception area and receive test results (unofficial). Results will indicate PASS/FAIL. Same
result will be sent to registered email address.
Wait for official certificate from ISTQB with score included to arrive by mail around 2 weeks after.
(If pass) Apply for reimbursement from AWS by submitting scanned copies of official certificate and
credit card bill.

6.2.4 Rescheduling/Cancellation of Exam

Contact Pearson VUE at least one day prior to your exam appointment. For other details of the policies,
visit www.isqi.org.

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7. References
http://www.ISTQB.org/
http://www.pearsonvue.com/
http://istqbexamcertification.com/ISTQB-dumps-download-mock-tests-and-sample-question-papers-from-2012-
to-2014/
http://www.testingexcellence.com/ISTQB-quiz/ISTQB-exam-certification-mock-test/

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